binding

1 of 2

noun

bind·​ing ˈbīn-diŋ 

1

: the action of one that binds

2

: a material or device used to bind: such as

a

: the cover and materials that hold a book together

b

: a narrow fabric used to finish raw edges

c

: a device that holds a boot firmly to a ski or snowboard

binding

2 of 2

adjective

1

: that binds

2

: imposing an obligation

bindingly

ˈbīn-diŋ-lē 

adverb

bindingness noun

Examples of binding in a Sentence

Noun

a carpet edged with canvas binding

The bindings have started to come loose.

Adjective

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other smart features include a scuba-style hood, zippered hand pockets, elastic binding at the cuffs, and a hem drawcord for a customized fit. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

Mike Fallon and his brother, Jim Fallon Jr., work each day in the basement of their father's 85-year-old store, giving new life to bibles, adding custom bindings to photo books and repairing books from all around the country. —Otto Rabe, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025

Adjective

Sixty ratifications will trigger a 120-day countdown for the agreement to become binding international law, which will eventually allow countries to propose and negotiate the first high seas protected areas, and to improve the patchwork of management outside of those areas. —Bonnie Tsui, Time, 15 Sep. 2025

Owners and teams contractually assent to the league and commissioner having final, binding and conclusive authority, meaning courts would give the league sizable deference. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing binding

• adhesive binding
• binding energy
• binding site
• perfect binding
• spiral binding

Rhymes for binding

• blinding
• finding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

Kids Definition

binding

noun

bind·​ing

ˈbīn-diŋ

1

: the cover and fastenings of a book

2

: a narrow strip of fabric used along the edge of an article of clothing

Legal Definition

binding

adjective

1

: imposing a legal obligation

the agreement is binding on the parties

2

: requiring submission to a specified authority

the suppression order was binding on the Department of Transportation

—National Law Journal